Course Title: Environmental Studies

L T P/S SW FW TOTAL
Credit Units: 04 CREDIT
UNITS
2 - - 4 0 4
Course Code: EVS101

Course Level: UG

Course Objectives:
The goal of this course is to provide students with the scientific background needed to understand how the Earth works and how we, as human beings, fit into that. At the end of the course, it is
expected that students will be able to identify and analyze environmental problems as well as the risks associated with these problems and understand what it is to be a steward in the
environment, studying how to live their lives in a more sustainable manner.

Pre-requisites: Nil

Course Contents/Syllabus:
Weightage (%)
Module I : Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies

Descriptors/Topics 4
Introduction, definition and importance of environmental studies, need for public awareness, sensitisation and participation

Module II : Natural Resources 17

Descriptors/Topics
Types of natural resources, natural resource conservation, Role of an individual in conservation of natural resources, Equitable use of
resources for sustainable lifestyles. 2. Land resources: Land as a resource, land degradation, man induced landslides, Land resources: soil
erosion and desertification. 3. Natural Resources: Forest resources: Use and over-exploitation, deforestation, case studies. Timber
extraction, mining, dams and their effects on forests and tribal people. 4. Natural Resources: Water resources: Use and over-utilization of
surface and ground water, floods, drought, conflicts over water, dams-benefits and problems. 5. Natural Resources: Mineral resources:
Use and exploitation, environmental effects of extracting and using mineral resources, case studies. 6. Natural Resources: Food
resources: World food problems, changes caused by agriculture and overgrazing, Food resources effects of modern agriculture, fertilizer-
pesticide problems, water logging, salinity, case studies. 7. Natural Resources: Energy resources: Growing energy needs, Energy
resources renewable and non-renewable energy sources, Energy resources use of alternate energy sources, case studies. 8. Role of
individual in conservation of natural resources 9. Equitable use of resources for sustainable lifestyles.

Module III : Ecosystems

Descriptors/Topics 13
Concept of an ecosystem, 2.Types of ecosystem, 3.Structure and function of an ecosystem, Producers, consumers and decomposers.
4.Energy flow in the ecosystem, Food chains, food webs and ecological pyramids. 5.Ecological succession. 6. Introduction, types,
characteristic features, structure and function of Forest ecosystem, Grassland ecosystem and Desert ecosystem, Aquatic ecosystems
(ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, ocean estuaries)

Module IV : Environmental Pollution

Descriptors/Topics
Definition Cause, effects and control measures of :- a. Air pollution b. Water pollution c. Soil pollution d. Marine pollution e. Noise 18
pollution f. Thermal pollution g. Nuclear hazards Solid waste Management : Causes, effects and control measures of urban and industrial
wastes. Role of an individual in prevention of pollution. Pollution case studies. Disaster management : floods, earthquake, cyclone and
landslides

Module V : Social Issues and the Environment 14

Environment From Unsustainable to Sustainable development Urban problems related to energy Water conservation, rain water
harvesting, watershed management Resettlement and rahabilitation of people; its problems and concerns. Case Studies Environmental
ethics : Issues and possible solutions. Climate change, global warming, acid rain, ozone layer depletion, nuclear accidents and holocaust.
Case Studies. Wasteland reclamation. Consumerism and waste products. Environment Protection Act. Air (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act. Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act Wildlife Protection Act Forest Conservation Act Issues involved in
enforcement of environmental legislation. Public awareness.
Module VI: Human Population and the Environment 12

Population growth, variation among nations. Population explosion – Family Welfare Programme. Environment and human health.
Human Rights. Value Education. HIV/AIDS. Women and Child Welfare. Role of Information Technology in Environment and human
health. Case Studies.
Module VII: Field Work 8

Visit to a local area to document environmental assets-river/forest/grassland/ hill/mountain. - Visit to a local polluted site-
Urban/Rural/Industrial/Agricultural. - Study of common plants, insects, birds. - Study of simple ecosystems-pond, river, hill slopes, etc.

Module VIII: Biodiversity 14

 Introduction - Definition: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity 2. Biogeographical classification of India 3. Value of biodiversity:
consumptive use, productive use, social, ethical aesthetic and option values 4. Biodiversity at global, national and local levels, India as a
mega-diversity nation 5. Hot-spots of biodiversity, 6. Threats to biodiversity: habitat loss, poaching of wildlife, man wildlife conflicts 7.
Endangered and endemic species of India 8. Conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity 9. Biological
Diversity Act, 2002

Student Learning Outcomes:

Student can recognize the environmental problem associated with development
Apply the gained knowledge for the environmental conservation and its sustainability
Demonstrate an integrative approach to deal with environmental issues with a focus on sustainable environmental management.
Develop an ability to integrate the disciplines related to environmental concerns.
Formulate the critical thinking skills for environmental protection

Pedagogy for Course Delivery:

Lecturers, Writing on Board, Power point presentation, discussion of various Case studies and environmental based projects.

Examination Scheme
Component Codes CLASS TEST HOME PROJECT SEMINAR ATTENDANCE EEI
ASSIGNMENT

Weightage (%) 10 10 15 10 5 50

Text & References:

Gauba Dhawan and Bisht Environmental Studies, Challenges & Solutions A quick Compendium.
Somvanshi and Dhupper, Fundamentals of Environmental Studies.
Kaushik and Kaushik, Fundamentals of Environmental Studies.
Asthana and Asthana, A textbook of Environmental Studies.